Vienna

Practical Info about Vienna

Getting around the city

Vienna boasts one of the finest public transport systems in Europe. It is safe and easy to use, and consists of punctual buses and trams, a fast U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn (railway). Most operate from about 6am to midnight; buses stop earlier but there are night buses on weekends covering the major routes. The U-Bahn is the fastest way to get around the city, while the S-Bahn is the cheapest way to get to the airport. The tram network is one of the largest worldwide and is the next best way of getting about, with the added advantage of being a good way to see the city, although some lines don't operate on weekends. Buses are useful in the inner city where there are no trams. Fares are standard for all forms of public transport (€1.70 for a single), and once validated will allow one journey including transfers in the same direction. Travel passes are available: the Vienna Card is valid for three days and allows unlimited travel on public transport, except night buses, and offers discounts at many attractions, shops and restaurants. Taxis are plentiful, reliable and metered, but have a list of surcharges and are among the most expensive in Europe. The most romantic, if expensive, way to get about is by horse-drawn carriage, or Fiaker. A car is generally a burden in Vienna, but can be useful for trips outside the city.

Time

GMT +1 (GMT +2 between April and October).

Electricity

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are standard.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change available in all towns, but it may be easier to use the ATMs. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but bureaux de change at airports and major city rail terminals are open seven days a week. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted though some small hotels and restaurants may only accept cash.

Communication

The international access code for Austria is +43. Public telephone boxes can be used for direct dial calls within the country and overseas. Austria's mobile phone coverage is good, and internet cafes are widely available.

Climate

+

Vienna has a temperate continental climate, with warm, sunny summers and cold winters. The average temperature range in January is between 23°F and 34°F (-4°C to 1°C), while in July temperatures range between 60°F and 76°F (15°C and 25°C). Thunderstorms occur frequently in summer and snowfall is common in winter. Spring, autumn and the beginning of summer are perhaps the best times to travel to Vienna.

Vienna International Airport

Getting to the city

Local trains and buses leave regularly for Vienna. There is also a City Airport Train, which provides a fast and direct service to the centrally located City Air Terminal that is connected to the underground, bus and tram networks. Trains depart every 30 minutes and operate between 6:05am and 11:35pm, costing €12 for the 16-minute ride. The S7 train also connects with Vienna every 30 minutes, although the ride is a bit longer with several stops.

Car rental

Car hire companies include Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt and Thrifty.

Airport taxi's

There are taxis available in front of the Arrivals Hall. The taxi fare is metered and will be about €40 or more to the city centre; the drive takes around 30 minutes.

Facilities

There are more than 70 shops, including duty-free, as well as various restaurants and bars in both terminals. Bureaux de change and banks are available. Other facilities include airline lounges, luggage storage, business centres, internet cafes, and a medical centre.

Parking

Vienna International Airport has two multi-storey car parks connected to the terminal via covered walkways. Parking fees range from €3.70 per hour to €36.40 per day, but rates do vary according to section. Park C, the long-term parking lot, is generally cheaper but is still within walking distance of the terminal building.